Kampala University was established by corporate professionals in February 1998. It opened its gates to pioneer students in October 1999. The university was first licensed by the Ministry of Education and Sports on November 23, 2000, to operate as an institution of higher learning. In 2003, KU held its 1st graduation ceremony with a total of 141 graduates.

The institution is fully recognised and accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). In 2014, the university applied for and was granted a charter on March 23, 2016, by the government of Uganda, duly signed by His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda. In 2018, Kampala University was gazetted, making its operations, curriculum, and credentials fully recognised nationally, regionally, and internationally.